Apache Access

Nursing, Vocational (VNE)

Career Opportunities

Nature of Occupation/Job Description

Licensed Vocational Nurses provide patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse, physician, or dentist.

Licensed Vocational Nurses are prepared to function as a member of the health-care team by exercising sound judgment based on preparation, knowledge, skills, understanding and past experiences in nursing situations.

The licensed vocational does a large share of the direct patient care in health facilities today. The licensed vocational nurse participates in planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care in all settings where nursing takes place. Generally, this means providing for the emotional and physical comfort and safety of patients; observing and recording and reporting to appropriate persons, changes in patients’ symptoms and conditions; performing more specialized nursing functions such as administering treatments; and assisting with rehabilitation.

Working Conditions

Licensed Vocational Nurses work in modern, well-equipped medical facilities and generally work a 40-hour week, including nights, weekends, and holidays on a rotating shift basis.

Assembling and using such equipment as catheter, tracheotomy tubes, oxygen supplies

Recording food and fluid intake and output

Applying compresses, hot and cold packs

Bating, dressing and assisting patients in walking and turning

Performing normal range of motion exercises with patients

Collecting routine laboratory specimens

Starting and checking on IV equipment

Where the Jobs Are

Army Reserves

Clinics

Community

Extended Care Facilities

Hospitals

Industrial/Occupational Health

Nursing Homes

Private Doctors’ Offices

Rehabilitation Centers

Employment Outlook

Licensed vocational nurses held about 752,300 jobs in 2010. About 15% of LVNs worked in hospitals, 29% in nursing care facilities, and another 12% in offices of physicians. Others worked for home health care services, employment services; community care facilities for the elderly; public and educational services; outpatient care centers; and Federal, State, and local government agencies.

Rapid employment growth is projected by 2020 with the best job opportunities occurring in nursing care facilities and in home health services.

Earnings

Median annual earnings of licensed vocational nurses were $40,380 in May 2010. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,680, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $56,010.

Helpful Skills

Physical strength and stamina

Compassion

Self-confidence

Good judgment and decision skills

Career Ladder for Occupation/Career May Look Like

Nurse Practitioner

Registered Nurse

Licensed Vocational Nurse

Nurse Aide

Licensed Vocational Nurses may advance by specializing in a particular area through further training and education.

Tyler Junior College gives equal consideration to all applicants for admission, employment and participation in its programs and activities without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, veteran status or limited English proficiency (LEP). Tyler Junior College respects the legal rights of each person to work and learn in an environment that is free from unlawful sexual discrimination including sexual harassment and sexual violence.